The Daily Telegraph WAR BOOKS FAMOUS FIGHTS OF INDIAN NATIVE REGIMENTS [Illustration: WITH THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. 1914.] FAMOUS FIGHTS OF INDIAN NATIVE REGIMENTS _By_ REGINALD HODDER _Author of "British Regiments at the Front," Etc._ HODDER AND STOUGHTON LONDON NEW YORK TORONTO MCMXIV The Author wishes to express his indebtedness to Mr. J. NORVILL for his valuable assistance and suggestions. THE PADISHA'S WORDS "_I look to all my Indian soldiers to uphold the Izzat of the British Raj against an aggressive and relentless enemy._ "_I know with what readiness my brave and loyal Indian soldiers are prepared to fulfil this sacred trust on the field of battle shoulder to shoulder with their comrades from all parts of the Empire. Rest assured that you will always be in my thoughts and prayers._ "_I bid you to go forward and add fresh lustre to the glorious achievements and noble traditions of courage and chivalry of my Indian Army, whose honour and fame are in your hands._" CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION xi A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIAN ARMY 1 THE SIKHS 9 THE RAJPUTS 19 THE MAHRATTAS 25 THE GURKHAS 42 THE DOGRAS 69 THE BALUCHIS 73 THE BATTLES OF THE GOLDEN DAGON PAGODA 81 BHURTPORE 100 THE WAR IN SCINDE 104 THE FIRST SIKH WAR 109 ALIWAL AND SOBRAON 116 THE STORMING OF THE TAKU FORTS 131 THE THIRD AFGHAN WAR 134 TEL-EL-KEBIR AND KASSASSIN 139 BATTLES AROUND SUAKIN 143 THE FRONTIER FIGHTING OF 1886 149 THE RELIEF OF CHITRAL 154 BATTLE OF DARGAI 159 A LIST OF INDIAN NATIVE REGIMENTS 162 ORDER OF THE DAY.--No. 1. SOLDIERS OF THE INDIAN ARMY CORPS, We have all read with pride the gracious message of his Majesty the King-Emperor to his troops from India. On the eve of going into the field to join our British comrades, who have covered themselves with glory in this great war, it is our firm resolve to prove ourselves worthy of the honour which has been conferred on us as representatives of the Army of India. In a few days we shall be fighting as has never been our good fortune to fight before, and against enemies who have a long history.